Sunny in London

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Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea Christmas Blogtacular!

What made 28 bloggers line up faster than the New York City Rockettes for a Christmas Spectacular Show? The Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea Christmas sneak preview!

That’s right, Sunny friends! You’ve seen my previous posts which show the fantastic #LDNBloggersTea group to which I belong:
– Royal Horseguards Afternoon Tea with 20 English Roses!
– The Ampersand Hotel, Science Tea and Chemistry!
– Run to the Milestone Hotel Afternoon Tea!

Thanks to Selena the Places, today we kicked our blogger heels up for this spectacular, ultra luxurious Christmas afternoon tea. And, I am sharing all the delicious pictures, right here, right now!

Hold on tight, because Santa Claus is Comin’ to London Town!Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaWe started the afternoon with flowing Laurent-Perrier champagne. And for the first time ever on Sunny in London, I’ll say I wished the London weather outside would’ve been frightful! What could be better than being trapped in a snowstorm with 27 other fabulous bloggers in a posh London hotel with flowing Laurent-Perrier?
Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon TeaLet it snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

As if the bubbly wasn’t enough to get our blogger bells jingling, we also had the gorgeous sounds of a harp balancing our social chatter.
Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even…

Oh who am I kidding….

With the beautiful display that Conrad London St James created for us to tease our pallets, we were all stirring!Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea
Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon TeaNow Dasher, now Dancer, now Instagram and Twitter…

Oops! I don’t think those last two were reindeer 😉

We took our seats at the tables and started to feast. I felt like a Who in Whoville, even though there was no Who-pudding or rare Who-roast beast.
Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea(Sorry, I just couldn’t help throwing in that old picture of me with The Grinch at Islands of Adventure Florida, because today it was just Florida HOT in London town!!! We were all melting from the heat as we entered the tea.)

Conrad London St James Christmas afternoon tea prepared by Chef Ashley is simply spectacular! Sunny friends, it becomes available on November 24th.

Here’s the menu:

Christmas Tea Menu

A Selection of Savouries
Brussel sprout salad
Turkey ballotine
Venison bite
Smoked salmon & lemon crème fraiche
Cured gammon & mustard
Beetroot & spinach

Freshly Baked Orange and Cranberry and Christmas Spice Scones
served with Devonshire clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam and blackberry curd

Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon Tea
We really appreciated the chance to meet Chef Zoe and to learn about what inspired the menu. She floated around to each table numerous times to talk about the menu. Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

When I asked her what inspired her to create such a unique Christmas tea, she indicated it was about feeling and dimension.

She said she wants people to feel as if they’re peering through a snowy window or swirling in a snow globe…
Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon TeaWhat do you think, Sunny friends? I have to say, in person this afternoon tea was BRILLIANT!

After we finished the sandwiches and scones, the sweets danced like sugar plum fairies on the table.

Cakes and Pastries
Winter berry Christmas tree
Chocolate orange Battenberg present
Snowflake macaroon
White forest yule log
Christmas postcard marshmallows
Mini meringue snowmen
Edible Snow

Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea (3) Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaOh yeah, ‘Frosty the Snowman WAS a jolly, happy soul’ I sang to myself as I munched mercilessly on the edible snow. Gulp!Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaConrad London St James Afternoon Tea

Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

That meringue little man melted so fast in my mouth I kind of felt bad. Well… not really. 😉

If you’re really looking to have a holly, jolly Christmas, then this afternoon tea in London should be on the top of your holiday list of things to do. Not only is the food super delicious, but also the hotel is new too. Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

We had our afternoon tea at Emmeline’s, which can be hired privately for up to 60 guests.  The light and airy ambiance was perfect for gathering 28 very, very excited bloggers.Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

It was formerly the Westminster Intercontinental and only recently changed to the Conrad London St James. It’s situated in London’s political heartland and invites global luxury travelers to experience a sophisticated environment with locally inspired style and design.

This is the Tom Clark sculpture which welcomes guests in the lobby. It depicts the common working man with Parliament on his shoulder.
Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaOther politically themed animations and 3-D caricatures are seen throughout the reception and dining areas on the ground floor.
Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaThe hotel also features ‘the division bell’ found only in selected properties around Parliament. Conrad London St James is located at 22-28 Broadway SW1H 0BH. The Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea is £37. The Christmas Snow Scene Afternoon Tea with Free-flowing Laurent-Perrier Champagne is £45.00.

London’s most iconic landmarks are within walking distance of the Conrad London St James. However, I would like to extend a very big thank you to someone who is an icon in the London blogger world. Selena, you have truly built a fabulous network of international bloggers through all the past three years.

We announced today that she’s passing the blogger torch to me for the coordination of the future #LDNBloggersTea.

If you’d like to join this group, watch my Twitter account for an announcement regarding the next #LDNbloggersTea. It’s a great way to meet other bloggers and make friends. For example, today, I finally got to meet Shikha from Why Waste Annual Leave!Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea

You can always comment below to make sure I put you on the list. Naughty or nice, I will check it twice! And, if you’re on Triberr, I’ve also started a London Bloggers Tribe for us as well. Join it!

And just before I close this post, I want to give a big high five to all the London bloggers at today’s Conrad London St James Afternoon Tea Christmas preview! See you on November 30th for our next #LDNBloggersTea!Conrad London St James Afternoon TeaVisit here for reviews and rates of the Conrad London St James hotel.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

Why do I visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London every year? Let’s break it down quickly. I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida which is 60 miles from Orlando. It’s undeniably the theme park capital of the world. In fact, I worked at Universal Studios for a few years after finishing my internship with NBC News London Bureau, where I met Mr Sunny.

And… I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

So, if you love the theme park atmosphere and Christmas, then the seasonal experience of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is for you too.

Watch the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London Experience

If you want to literally see how much fun this holiday event is in London, then I have you covered. Mr Sunny and I filmed all the highlights of food, rides and markets and published it on the Sunny News channel.

Admission to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

With last year’s closure due to the pandemic, there is a lot to look forward to in 2021 at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. However, there are some big changes to note as well.

Foremost, you must book your tickets in advance online. I literally booked ours the first day it was possible in early August. I knew to do this because I subscribe to their email. The upcoming changes were clearly communicated in advance, so I had time to consider and research options.

The biggest variable was really the weather.

I know- this is ironic from a blogger who calls herself ‘Sunny in London.’ But, the name was created to distinguish myself when I arrived here in 2013 and to promote a positive vibe.

When you book tickets you must choose one of three entry times: 10am, 1pm and 5pm. No matter what time you enter, you can stay until the event closes that evening. We chose 1pm this year and found it worked really well. It allowed us to both experience Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London both during daylight hours and night.

You do know that it gets dark around 4pm in the winter in London, right?

Since we are equally as excited about food and drink as we are the rides, Mr Sunny and I booked a package at the Bavarian Village. This is because if you spend £20 on any attractions, rides or games online in advance, your entrance ticket is free when booked in the same transaction.

Our total was £33. This is the breakdown.

  • 1 Adult/teen Entry (standard) £5, 1 Adult/teen entry (standard) free
  • Booking fee £3
  • Food package from 10am, Bavarian Village Food package, 2 x Food to Go Bratwurst Deal- Alcoholic Drink £25

If you don’t book any additional items, then entry is free during off-peak periods and costs £5 or £7.50 for peak periods.

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Thoughts on Admission to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

No one ever wants to pay for something that previously was free. However, after we arrived at 1pm on Friday 19th November, we saw the difference it made.

As Mr Sunny commented, ‘This is far more civilised.’ And I agree completely.

Since you can’t just rock up to the gate, it eliminates a lot of last minute visitors. It also seemed to cut down on the amount of pick pockets.

Personally, I would happily pay this entry charge with the option of having it waived by spending a certain amount. Being able to walk through easily from the Christmas market booths to the food stalls to the rides was a refreshing change.

What do you think? Leave me your ideas in the comments.

Food at Hyde Park in Winter Wonderland in London

Christmas market food always has a special place in my heart. Maybe I should say stomach?

We traditionally enjoy Bratwurst sausage and crepes when we visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London. This year had a delicious little twist after we solved the mystery of how to use our pre-paid vouchers.

No one working at the food stalls in the Bavarian Village seemed to know what to do with them. Eventually we discovered that they could only be ‘cashed in’ at one location. Once we got our Bratwurst, we received two drink tokens. You can see Mr Sunny’s Bratwurst and mountain of sauerkraut in the above YouTube video.

I opted to skip a crepe this year because during the pandemic we purchased quite a bit of Le Creuset baking pans and cookware. This included a ginormous crepe pan, so we make them often at home now. (If you have any tips on how to perfect one- I would be grateful if you left them in the comments.)

Instead, later in the evening we chose to check out the Street Food Festival that’s been added to Winter Wonderland. This proved to be a great move. I had a fab Mexican themed scoop of mac and cheese from the Mac Factory.

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Some of the food companies you will find there are: Halal Guys, Doughlads, Meltsmiths, El Pollote, Freewheelin’ Pizza, Truffle, STAKEhaus, E8Fish and Oh My Dog! The big star seems to be EL&N cafe.

Thoughts on Food at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

It’s fair food. Pun intended.

Expect food that’s kind of warm but not hot and sitting outside all day. You know you will pay a lot more than what it is actually worth but that’s part of the experience at a theme park, isn’t it?

However, as indicated, the Street Food Festival really is a nice addition this year. And since there is staggered admission that’s no longer free, there was plenty of space to sit and enjoy our food while we were there.

But- if you’re a bit OCD like me, you’ll want to make sure you have hand sanitiser and wipes with you at all times. It didn’t look like the benches and tables were being wiped off as quickly as I would have hoped.

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Drinks at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

Mr Sunny skipped his annual Stein at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this year. But, we did make our yearly pilgrimage to the Carousel Bar, Santa’s Pub and our favourite- Thor’s Tipi. It is very ironic, but we found the most ‘chill’ atmosphere in the later which features a warm, cosy environment with tons of mulled wine, hot chocolate and Prosecco.

Worthy of a special mention is Bar Ice. It’s billed as the ‘coolest’ bar at Winter Wonderland and as an insta-worthy haven. We opted to skip it because twice we had been to the Ice Bar in London. Sadly, this bar on Heddon Street closed during the pandemic.

If you’ve never done anything like it- I would highly suggest booking a session during your Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London visit. Bar Ice sessions are 20 minutes long, just like they were at the venue Mr Sunny and I experienced. While you might think the -10°C would be unbearable, the gear they give you makes it easy to enjoy your plunge.

Thoughts on Food at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

Keep an eye on your bank card when you go to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Those drinks, no matter what location you hit, add up really fast the next day when you aren’t using cash.

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Rides at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

I am most critical of this area of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London. When you grow up visiting the world’s most perfect theme park experience (Walt Disney World), it’s tough to have any other place measure up to your normal.

For this reason, I hesitate to go on too many rides at temporary amusement parks. While I am sure they undergo rigorous inspections when being built, I just don’t have too much faith in their structure.

Plus, you will pay a HEFTY price for a ride at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London.

A simply must-do is The Giant Wheel. We rode this with a VIP champagne package the year we got engaged. Unfortunately, it was a windy and cloudy evening so my lack of faith in rides mentioned above created a terror in me that did interfere with the ability to enjoy the ride.

However, I’ve seen a lot of people’s photos from The Giant Wheel this year and it looks like on a clear night, the views of Hyde Park and surrounding London area are incredible. This ride also had the longest line later in the evening. But, they do offer Fast Track passes.

While initially criticising the astronomical price of the Munich Looping ride, we did splurge for it at the end of our visit. It’s a famous ride popular from Oktoberfest and is the world’s largest transportable roller coaster.

Aside from these two rides, everything else you find is conventional fun fair attractions.

Thoughts on Rides at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

This is where you will spend the most money fast. In fact, just a few rides will put you over the ticket price for a full day at Universal Studios Orlando or the Disney theme parks. Choose your adventures carefully!

Every year I have been curious about the Haunted Mansion. Again, this can be attributed to the one I knew and loved at Walt Disney World.

This year I finally ticked it off my bucket list, and it was a complete waste of money. Without a doubt- skip the Haunted Mansion at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London.

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hyde-park-winter-wonderland-in-london-advice-haunted-mansion

Final Thoughts

To get the most out of your experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London, we absolutely suggest the 1pm time to book your tickets. Figure the visit will cost around £150 if you want to have two snacks each, a few drinks and 4-5 rides.

I didn’t even get to the Christmas markets in this article feature. That would certainly add more to your trip.

What do you think, Sunny friends? Is a visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London on your horizon this year?

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hyde-park-winter-wonderland-in-london-advice

The Best Gift Ideas For People Who Live Overseas

Finding the right gift for a loved one can be tough at any time of the year. However, during the holidays it’s especially hard as an American living in London because there is an added obstacle.

Shipping.

Fortunately, many online sellers are pretty good when it comes to shipping from their store, some even offer worldwide shipping for free or after a certain payment threshold is met (for example these wall art pieces made by Neon Mama). You can also shop for an item using an online store from their native country, though this can get complicated as they may not accept foreign payment or display their site in English. Either way, these options can help smooth out the shipping problem when it comes to gifting overseas.

But thinking of gift ideas for people who live overseas at Christmas can complicate the gift exchange process even further. Something that makes a great gift in your country may not be taken the same way in theirs. However, there are certainly some ideas that can you can consider which show you are thoughtful and sentimental.

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Gift Ideas for People Who Live Overseas- Gift Cards

Gift cards are perhaps the first option that people choose. If you can’t be there to enjoy a dinner or experience with a family member, there isn’t a reason why you still can’t treat them to it. For example, perhaps you know what movie theatre they tend to choose most often and can visit the website to purchase a gift card for them to see a film?

In your conversations with them you can discover what sporting goods stores, coffee chains, spas and restaurants they frequent.

However, one type of gift card that I think is not really sentimental is one for a credit card company. The implication of using one gift card to pay for another gift or previous purchase doesn’t seem what the spirit of the holidays is promoting. What do you think?

Gift Ideas for People Who Live Overseas- Subscription Boxes

I love the idea of how one gift can be ‘recycled’ every month. When you buy someone a monthly subscription box you could be giving the person something literally every month of the year.

Any aspiring beauty blogger would love a subscription box to a popular brand. Book lovers can be dazzled with a new book arriving at their doorstep each month. Fresh ingredients and meals can be sent to aspiring chefs. Gadget gurus can receive monthly surprises featuring the latest technology. Gardeners can get seeds and other ideas to keep their passion growing.

You get the point, right? These gifts are great for people who live overseas because they just keep on giving!

Gift Ideas for People Who Live Overseas- Chocolate

However, if you want to funnel your gift to the one gift with undeniable universal appeal, go for chocolate.

The idea of Christmas chocolates never loses in the game of presents. From festive and fun advent calendars to Christmas chocolate hampers, the hardest part of picking out this type of gift for people who live overseas is probably not getting a few for yourself!

Gift Ideas for People Who Live Overseas- Food and Wine

Aside from chocolate, there are other options you can research. Cheese, cookies, truffle boxes, caviar flights, sauces, coffee and tea samplers, jams or cakes might be right for a gift idea for people who live overseas, depending on their tastes 😉

And then there’s booze. A membership to a wine club could really light up someone’s eyes during the festive season. Or maybe gin is the person’s drunk of choice?

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Gift Ideas for People Who Live Overseas- Personalized Item

Finally, in my recent article on the Best Things to Buy in London I suggest for travellers to turn their trip photos in to prints when they return home.

Ok, so people who live overseas might not want your photo of you and your mates crossing Abbey Road like the Beatles, but they might appreciate a personalized item that you get printed for them.

You could create a calendar or a custom photo blanket with photos of you and your best friend that shows great memories from your adventures through the years. Maybe you can have a cutting board made that has their favourite saying engraved on it. Or a flask that displays a special date on one side. You could also look for any schlüsselanhänger mit foto, where you can show all your favourite memories in them. Whatever, you are planning to gift, add a personalized touch to it, so that the recipient knows how much you treasure them.

Gift Ideas for People Who Live Overseas- Final Thoughts

Finding the right gift for someone doesn’t have to be a bad experience just because it is sent from a person across a sea. We can agree nothing beats being able personally to see someone smile when they open a present from you. However, it doesn’t mean you are entirely limited or can’t be thoughtful when you choose what to give them for a holiday gift.

What are some of the great gifts you have received from overseas, Sunny friends?

What To Do When It’s Not Sunny in London

Unfortunately this September and October London has had quite a bit of rain. The amount of sunny days in London have certainly been less than we would prefer. This can make it difficult to enjoy the city’s fantastic outdoor attractions. However, it also gives a great opportunity to think about all the great places to see in London and experiences to have indoors too. Whether you’re into culture or you prefer to do something chilled with your weekends, London still has a huge array of things to do when it rains. 

So where should you go the next time it’s not-so-sunny in London? Take a look at the following suggestions for things to do in London on a cloudy or rainy day.

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Head for Brunch

Brunch is a fun and really popular activity across the UK these days. It is also the perfect excuse to spend a few hours catching up with friends (whether bottomless or not!). When you’re in a city like London that’s quickly growing its foodie scene, you’re spoiled for choice with incredible brunch spots. Many of them also include some of the best views of London. Book a table and escape the rain to enjoy a leisurely morning in the city.

Of course if brunch is too early and boozy for you, there’s always the old faithful afternoon tea to use indulging for hours indoors.

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Discover a Bit of History

London is a city full of history, and sometimes it’s easy to forget about it with so much modernity around. Many people who live in London have never visited its best tourist spots, including the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. It might be raining outside, but there’s no reason you can’t discover a bit of history when you have the day to explore. 

Want to learn more about the history of London? Take a look at some of London’s most historic sites to help you plan where to go.

Get Cultured through Art

A morning or afternoon spent wandering around an art gallery can be a fantastic way to enjoy an afternoon or culture. London is home to some of the world’s best art galleries, including both contemporary art and art through the ages. Art galleries can get very busy at the weekend so if you can book tickets in advance, you should, or make sure you get there bright and early to beat the queues as they say.

Go Shopping!

One of the things London is most famous for is its shopping. There are a whole load of incredible stores to check out, ranging from one of boutiques and markets to well-known department stores like Harrods and Liberty. It’s easy to spend a whole day shopping in London, taking in the atmosphere and seeing what all the fuss is about! In the winter months, you’ll be able to take in the beautiful displays along Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. Plus, you will be able to see all of the Christmas lights. 

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Explore Food in London

London really is a fantastic city, with plenty of seasonal events and new openings that make it easy to find something exciting to do every weekend. If you subscribe to the Sunny News email, you will always have a fab list of upcoming ideas from which to choose. That way, come rain or shine, you’ll always have something to do in London.

And, of course, there are tons of foodie things to do in London too.

This is a collaborative post on Sunny in London.

The Best Things to Buy in London

Have you spent months planning a trip to London? In all of your research on things to do and places to eat, you might not have thought about the best things to buy in London yet.

Finding a souvenir in one of the world’s most famous cities isn’t hard. Every attraction will have a gift shop, and it’s highly likely you will visit at least one during your trip to London.

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The Most Popular Things to Buy in London

In any big city you can find T-shirts, keychains, refrigerator magnets, snow globes and postcards. In London, popular iconic souvenirs include Big Ben figurines, small red busses, metal telephone boxes filled with bad tea bags, something from Harrods and umbrellas. In Central London, you will find countless trinkets displaying a Union Jack.

But, why not aim for something with a more local feel? In fact, why not bring home souvenirs from London that actual Londoners would typically buy or enjoy? Or souvenirs that are created by local artists?

After living in London for six years as an American married to an English man, I have had time to really explore and learn what the best things to buy in London can be.

The Best Things to Buy in London- Tea

Drinking tea all the time isn’t just a British stereotype. It’s what they do. For real. All the time.

But, to be honest, most drink the very inexpensive brand PG tips on a regular basis. You could grab a box of it here or go for something a little more royal and posh like tea from Fortnum & Mason. This iconic British luxury department store currently holds royal warrants from Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Famous British chefs who rave about Fortnum and Mason include Nigella Lawson and Mary Berry. Charles Dickens was a fan too.

What’s great about going for Fortnum and Mason tea is that you can find many of their popular products at World Duty Free in Gatwick and Heathrow airport. Keep this in mind in case you don’t have time on a short trip to London to go to the department store. It won’t necessarily be cheaper, but you can save it for last minute and not worry about finding room for it in your checked bag.

You will want something equally as memorable to hold while you drink your luxury tea. For fun London mug souvenirs, To Home From London has tons of options. You will find mugs with cheeky British slang, iconic British musicians and popular places you will have seen.

Recently, they sent me a few samples of products to share here with you.

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Travel Mug and Coasters from To Home From London
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Tote Bag from To Home From London

Buying a bone china teacup that was made in England is an option, but I always worry about an item so delicate breaking on a long international flight.

The Best Things to Buy in London- Sports

It’s not nearly as common for British people as it is for Americans to wear gear that displays their team’s colours or logo. But, they suit up for the match. Rather than a team jersey, most will likely have a scarf to throw around their neck so they can make sure their vocal cords are nice and warm when they need to scream for their team.

The Best Things to Buy in London- Books

Depending on where you eat in London, you might be able to buy one of the chef’s cookbooks.

Obviously those won’t be useful until you get home. If you want books that will help you on your visit, Mr Sunny and I recommend two London classics. These two souvenirs represent London life decades ago when we didn’t have smartphones to show us the way everywhere.

Now, with CityMapper, Google Maps and many other apps, carrying around a paper map is not necessary. Unless you don’t have WiFi, and some of you will not when you are visiting from America unless you arrange a pre-planned package with your data provider. If you need to go old school like a proper Londoner you would use this…

And then there is one that Mr Sunny and his dad can’t live without (except Mr Sunny relies on the app now).

Best Things to Buy in London- Travel Gifts

The ultimate gift store for travel lovers in London is Stanfords in Covent Garden. Inside you can find stationary, globes, notepads and paper. Take a look here at this fun London Map Journal which would certainly charm any travel lover who likes to write and document experiences.

Best Things to Buy in London- Online Gifts

If you don’t make it to Stanfords or you just basically want some London swag to surround you, they have tons of Gifts for People Who Love London. And gifts for Travel Addicts, Gifts for Map Lovers, and more.

The ultimate Christmas gift from London you could send yourself or someone else is a Fortnum and Mason hamper. They rank really high on the Royal’s list too.

And then there is the one souvenir that you can be guaranteed no one else has- your photos.

I think the best idea to commemorate your London trip is something showing your experiences. What about creating a calendar on Shutterfly of all your best photos? This way, every day you can be reminded of something special you did while visiting London.

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Best Things to Buy in London- Final Thoughts

For shopping, there are certain British brands or clothes, shoes and handbags that I recommend in my American’s Guide to Shopping in London, so I won’t go on about them here.

However, I will quickly highlight some things to buy in London that I would skip. Tons of websites suggest that you go to the M&Ms World store in Leicester Square. That just doesn’t make sense to me. You can get the candy at any convenient store in America.

Also, Harry Potter merchandise is easily accessible on Amazon.com in the US, so I wouldn’t take up space in my suitcase for it either. But, grabbing this picture at either the Warner Bros. Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour or at St. Pancras International Station is one to put in that photo calendar I suggested.

Directions Harry Potter Studio Tour London Transportation

What memorable souvenirs have you bought in a destination? Have you ever taken a photo and had it printed to remember your trip?

The Ice Bar London Review

Literally the coolest thing to do in London is go to the ICEBAR London. Mr Sunny and I have been to this venue just off Regent Street in Mayfair twice. We still think if you’re looking for something unique for a date, out of office experience with colleagues or night out with the girls, then keep reading.

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Back in 2011 we hit ICEBAR London for a super fun few hours. That’s because we combined it with their restaurant experience. It was pre-blog days but since I had some pictures I wrote about it as one of my first food reviews on Sunny in London.

We went on a Christmas holiday evening. Mr Sunny had booked our time well in advance. It was crowded.

While I nearly always prefer to avoid crowds, this is one of the rare times I advocate for going to a location when it is busy.

On the last Monday night of September 2019 we were nearly the only ones in the ICEBAR London at 5:45pm. Yeah, it was nice not to wait in a long queue for drinks. But, have you ever been on the dance floor by yourself at a club or wedding?

Not ideal, right?

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icebar-london-review-mayfair-cocktail

We literally got our drinks, took our photos and returned our capes. I think we were in the actual ice bar for 15 minutes.

They offer a range of ICEBAR experiences, and you must book in advance. Basically, you get a cape and gloves to keep you warm plus your first ice cocktail on entry. You are welcome to stay inside the bar for up to
40 minutes from the start of your session.

While you might be concerned about the chilling temperatures and your ability to withstand them, it’s not anything that would impair your ability to have fun. In fact, during the most recent visit I had my gloves off for most of the time because I was filming video and taking pictures. Below is the 45 second highlight video I published on my Instagram of our night at Ice Bar and Fire Bar.

Included in our complimentary experience was only snacks from Fire Bar on the patio because Yuu Kitchen was closed for a private event. We were informed that Yuu Kitchen isn’t open for food on Monday nights. Hopefully, we’ll have a chance to return in the future to try the food because that was one of the highlights from our first Ice Bar experience.

I absolutely loved my White Satin, which was Absolut Raspberri vodka, lychee, orgeat and apple juice. It really was so silky smooth that the name does says it all. Literally, I would put it in my top five cocktail experiences ever. The list includes my all time favourite- which was an aloe martini I had in a Toronto bar. Second is a “Peanut Butter and Jelly” creation that a bartender made me once in Hollywood. I told him I liked Chambord and requested a cocktail that wasn’t just another French martini.

Mr Sunny told them to surprise him with their choice of a cocktail and they brought him a Strawberry Crush. He said it was pretty tasty.

Sitting on the patio was a nice experience until it started to pour rain, which caused us to end our evening a bit early.

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What you might not know if you have been to the Ice Bar London previously is that they annually change the theme of the sculptures. Currently it features Norse myth and magic that comes alive inside the frozen Hall of Odin.

Valhalla Calling is the ICE BAR’s latest ice art installation and their second collaboration with the creative team at PSD Ice Art. Yes, as huge Game of Thrones fans, Mr Sunny and I each took a chance to sit on the “ice throne”.

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The concept draws its inspiration from the myths of the Norse Gods, Odin, Loki and Thor, the monsters of Ragnarok, the final war at the end of the world, and the fabulous hall of Valhalla where Odin feasts every night with the bravest warriors who have fallen in battle.

So, Sunny friends, would you take the deep freeze plunge for cocktails literally on ice? What’s been your most unique cocktail bar experience?

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  • Please note, the IceBar closed in early Spring 2020. This post was updated on 14 April to reflect this.

Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe During Peak Travel Times

When it comes to finding cheap holiday destinations in Europe, Mr Sunny and I have to do quite a bit of research. Due to the nature of my fulltime job, we are forced to take our holidays during peak travel times. Rarely do we score one of those £50 roundtrip deals that are part of flash sales or last minute travel specials you see frequently.

To plan for holiday destinations in Europe or to the US, we regularly use flight and hotel comparison websites like JustFly to see what’s available at the best price during the restricted dates we can travel.

Talking to family, friends and colleagues who travel throughout Europe about where the current hot places are for less has helped us make some great decisions and narrow our searches. In fact, we think we have nearly been to or have holidays booked to all the top cheap holiday destinations in Europe.

Our Travel Profile

We like city breaks and beach destinations and have a relaxed approach to our itinerary. It’s important to us to see popular attractions and have time to enjoy the regional cuisine. Not having children means we like when there is an adult pool at a hotel. Spas always attract our attention. We’re happy to spend money on quality, but appreciate a deal like everyone else who hasn’t won the Euromillions yet.

Obviously, we prefer to stay in 5 star accommodations, just like most people would. Generally, we can find hotels that aren’t ridiculously expensive but still have a “luxury” label. Budget accommodations don’t appeal to our travel taste.

If this matches how you and your partner like to travel and you’re restricted to peak travel times, then focus your research on the cheap holiday destinations in Europe below for your next trip.

Valletta, Malta

Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Malta

Two years ago we enjoyed a 5-night holiday to Malta. We would recommend this trip to people who enjoy sun, water sports and excellent food. While it’s likely much cheaper during off peak times, Malta was less money during the popular summer months of July and August in comparison to other European destinations.

Saving money on meals allowed us to book more activities. We loved our day trip to Gozo and Blue Lagoon on a boat from our hotel in Valletta, as well as the full day we spent touring Game of Thrones locations used for the first season with a cast member.

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Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Bilbao, San Sebastián and Rioja

If you are foodie travellers and love wine, this roadtrip trio of Spanish cities is a must do. We spent six nights touring the Basque Country and fell in love with the beautiful scenery and cuisine. This was a summer trip for us that we made cheaper than our normal trips by staying in some 4 star hotels instead of 5 stars.

Mr Sunny and I rented a car in Bilbao and spent two nights in each city. You could easily hike up your budget by dining on the many Michelin starred options in San Sebastián. However, we made our experience more attainable by enjoying pinxtos for lunch and early evening hours.

Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Prague

Having a reputation for one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe, Prague was high on our list. In terms of good food and beer for less money than you spend in London, Prague fulfilled our expectations. However, unlike Malta and Basque Country, Prague isn’t known for fancy food.  You will save money in Prague but you will eat goulash, braised beef and dumplings. Don’t plan on getting any food porn for your Insta in this city! Unless of course you try the Trdelnik.

Because most of our days were under our normal daily budget, we did splurge on a Michelin starred dinner at our hotel one evening. It was the most we ever spent on one dinner, and we agree it was the best food experience we have ever had together. That includes all of the complimentary blog feasts we have had too.

Our trip to Prague took place in May. The 90° Fahrenheit temperatures really crushed my ability to fall in love with this city like most people do. So, since it’s not a beach destination, I would suggest it for the Autumn.

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Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Vienna

This city has a reputation for some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. We visited in February and were able to still enjoy many winter themed activities that took place over the holidays.  The temperatures at times were bone chilling, but obviously outdoor ice skating wouldn’t be possible any other way.  

Vienna tends to get quite crowded in the summer. So if you want to hit the city and not face the summer or Christmas market crowds, February could be a great option for you too.

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Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Budapest

Since going to European Christmas markets is something I would love to do, we booked a holiday to Budapest this year in November. Like Prague, Budapest is reportedly one of Europe’s cheapest cities to visit. Booking our flights and hotel in May allowed us to grab a good deal.

Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Lisbon

While Lisbon doesn’t generally sit on the top of the cheap European destinations leader board, we think it has potential. We have winter travel plans to Lisbon and are shocked at how cheaply we scored roundtrip flights on British Airways.

It looks like the regional food in Lisbon will be good and reasonable. Further, with its more southern location we are hoping the weather will be quite mild for winter.

Cheap Holiday Destinations in Europe: Final Thoughts

Sadly, one of my favourite places to visit was also the most expensive. In October 2018 Mr Sunny and I spent four amazing nights in Nice, France. While it easily was one of the best holidays I have ever had, a trip to the French Riviera sure isn’t cheap. Flights from London can be really reasonable. And, deals including hotels on the Promenade des Anglais aren’t too outrageous either. But, if you want to really enjoy the cuisine of the Côte d’Azur, you need to be ready to for some serious sticker shock at the dinner table!

What cities for cheap travel destinations in Europe do you recommend, Sunny friends? If you are forced to travel during peak times, what strategies do you use to save money?

This is a collaborative post.

The Best Things To Do in London

What are the best things to do in London? If you have limited time you might want to rely on a local living in town to give you the real scoop on what’s worth the time and what you can skip.

How Can I Help You Find Things to Do in London?

As an American living in London, I have a unique perspective because unlike many Londoners, I have been to almost every attraction here. Writing as a London travel blogger means I have been invited to a few of them two or three times with different tour companies!

Having an English husband whose whole family was born in London helps, because I also know what real Londoners value in the town. So, the insider tips or hidden things to do in London are easy to know too.

What Will You Find?

This is a regularly updated list of activities I have done in London and have written about on the blog or published on the Sunny News YouTube channel.

If you’re obsessed with London, visiting London or living in London, you will want to add this to your Pinterest board for future reference.

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This page is part of a series of resources for those new to Sunny in London and is updated regularly. Other pages include:

Best Things to Do in London – Unique & Seasonal

Best Things to Do in London – Foodie Fun

Best Things to Do in London – Neighborhoods

Best Things to Do in London – Attractions

  • How to Visit London: 9 Attractions in 2 Days
  • ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide

Best Things to Do in London – What You Can’t Do

Unfortunately, for the next few years you will not be able to photograph the Elizabeth Tower, AKA ‘Big Ben’ due to maintenance. It is also only scheduled to chime two dates a year.

Best Things to Do in London: What’s Next?

Please leave any questions you have about activities in the comments below. What do you think I should add to this list to help you plan a trip to London?

If you want to make sure not to miss any future additions, subscribe to the weekly email. You’ll immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

Major Differences in American and British Cultures

What’s so different across the pond? If you’re planning a trip or moving there, you need to know the major differences in American and British cultures.

For six years I have lived in London as an American food and travel blogger. Being married to a British man gives me a better opportunity to understand how British people perceive American culture.

Most of the time I can process the American and British cultural differences with success, but sometimes I make huge mistakes!

I have put together this collection of blog posts and videos for anyone new to Sunny in London who might want some tips before they visit London or move here. It also works for British people planning to visit the USA.

DISCLAIMER: Obviously I understand that there are regional differences among England, Wales and Scotland. There certainly are among Miami, New York City and Los Angeles. However, I have done my best to consider generalities and hope you find these useful.

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Major Differences in American and British Cultures: Life in the UK Test

Foremost, if you are trying to become a British citizen or receive an Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will need to pass your Life in the UK Test. It’s the ultimate challenge to see how much you know about British culture, history, law and politics.

I passed in February 2019! If you’d like advice about the process, watch this video.

To download my notes for the test (15+ pages of a Word document that you can edit and reshape in to note cards to study) read my Study Advice.

Major Differences in American and British Cultures: Word Play

Major Differences in American and British Cultures: Food

Major Differences in American and British Cultures: Every Day Life

More Resource Pages from Sunny in London:

Watch the Sunny News YouTube to see everything happening each week.

Subscribe to the Sunny News email to receive regularly updates about what’s hot in London. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London’ which you can download to your phone.

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

Florida Places to Visit for Sun and Fun

What are the best Florida places to visit for a long itinerary? The Sunshine State is huge! Most people just think of the theme park capital of the world, Orlando, for a Florida holiday but there are quite a few other options for travellers who also want to experience the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico.

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If you just visit Orlando, you’ll see pools and hopefully sunshine in Orlando. (Keep reading for why I said- ‘hopefully’) But, it is in the area we call Central Florida, and looking at a map you will see it’s not on either coast. So, if you want to sit in natural sand (not a theme park’s man-made version) the first thing you need to know is this will require extra time, a car, and interest in seeing other Floridian cities.

Florida Places to Visit- Why You Need a Car

Unlike Europe, public transportation and train travel is not popular in the US. The land is flat and most of what’s not near a coastline is swamp land in Florida. Unless you want to see gators, snakes and jaguars, you won’t need to spend much time too far inland. Mickey Mouse is the obvious exception to ‘wild life’. Know that Floridians gravitate to the water.

In fact, if you search ‘Alligator Alley’ you will find it is one of the few main highways that can take you from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf Coast.

When I was a child, Alligator Alley was what you envision in films. No gas stations and somewhere you don’t want to be stranded. The more popular highway by far is I-4.

The memes about Florida roads are comical because there is truth to them. Traffic on I-4 barely moves because anyone commuting to Orlando for work uses it. Tourists have to use it too. It also connects three cities that I feel would make a perfect trip to Florida. Renting a car is the only economical way to travel among them.

Florida Places to Visit- Orlando

Most people’s magical impressions of Florida are because they generally just spend time in Orlando, isolated at a theme park and hotel. While I have visited the Disney theme parks countless times, I am partial to Universal’s attractions. This is mostly because I worked there for a few years.

Let’s face it, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a dream come true at Islands of Adventure. And they just opened a new roller coaster! For those that have been to London’s Warner Bros Studio Tour, be sure to read my Harry Potter London vs Orlando comparison.

Harry Potter Orlando

Universal is definitely the more adult oriented theme park, if there really is such a thing. The rides are designed for thrill seekers and are some of the best in the world. The ‘mouse park’ down the street tends to have rides that you really just sit in little cars and travel through different sets and sound stages to see dancing dolls and other mechanical puppets.

Ahhh, I don’t seem very impartial here, do I?

Either way, these Universal and Disney with their parks and night life venues like CityWalk could keep you busy 24 hours a day.

However, Orlando offers excellent shopping opportunities too. The Mall at Millenia is exquisite. It’s high end shops like Kate Spade New York, Neiman Marcus and Prada could be appealing to British tourists because I generally find items are cheaper in the US. This is especially true when the dollar is low against the pound. Orlando’s International Premium Outlets will give you a great chance to score cool deals too.

And if it is basketball season, catching an Orlando Magic basketball game would be a big win. But you must book those tickets early!

Florida Places to Visit- St Pete/Clearwater

The Gulf Coast of Florida doesn’t get the international fame it deserves. But the Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater area is pristine and trendy. You’ll find many American restaurant chains launch in this area. It also has gorgeous golf courses.

Sunken Gardens would be Florida’s equivalent to London’s Kew Gardens, with an obvious tropical vibe. And of course, with so much access to water and sea life, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or organised boat tours could be appealing to you too.

St Petersburg also offers something for art lovers to do, and that is visiting Dali Museum.

Florida Places to Visit- Daytona Beach

Of course, this Florida girl has to make a plug for her hometown for anyone who has time for a multi centre Florida holiday when planning places to visit in Florida.

Daytona Beach is best known for its flat, hard packed sand on which stock cars started racing. This beach car racing lead to the development of Nascar and made Daytona an iconic holiday destination for any race aficionado.

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If you want a beach that is wide and spacious, go to my hometown. The most relaxing locations to be are Daytona Beach Shores and New Smyrna Beach. With a car, you could visit the lighthouse in Ponce Inlet. And, obviously race fans would want to see the track at the International Speedway and maybe even take a tour or ride in a race car.

See for yourself how cool the Daytona Beach can be and learn where I suggest you eat in this short video I made while visiting Daytona Beach last summer. I shot it not far from the Daytona Shore Resort and Spa, one of my favourite places to go for their Sunday breakfast when I lived there. It’s also had the best reputation for a hotel in the Daytona Beach Shores area for decades.

Taking I-95 south to Cape Canaveral offers the chance to see Kennedy Space Center, which is a favourite of all Floridians. And just an hour north you will find St Augustine, which lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S. Their Christmas Nights of Lights doesn’t quite rival Regent Street during the holidays, but it does prove that Florida has the holiday spirit. Even if it means throwing lights on palm trees and surfing Santa images.

Florida Places to Visit- Learn More

THE ESSENTIAL FIRST TIME GUIDE TO

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HARRY POTTER

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YOUTUBE

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